Description
Succulent salmon fillets nestle beneath a luxurious lemon butter cream sauce, promising Mediterranean coastal elegance on your plate. Delicate herbs and zesty citrus notes elevate this simple yet sophisticated dish, inviting you to savor each perfectly balanced bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream or half and half
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon parsley (finely chopped)
Garnish:
- Lemon slices, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), positioning the rack in the center to ensure even cooking.
- Create a marinade by whisking together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard in a medium mixing bowl until well combined.
- Transfer salmon fillets into a skillet or baking dish, generously coating each piece with the prepared marinade. Massage the mixture into the fish to enhance flavor absorption.
- Season the salmon with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, ensuring even distribution.
- Place the skillet or baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the salmon becomes flaky and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- While the salmon bakes, prepare the lemon butter cream sauce by melting unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low-medium heat.
- Add finely minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for approximately 20 seconds, releasing its aromatic qualities.
- Gradually pour heavy cream into the butter and garlic mixture, bringing the sauce to a gentle boil and allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Remove the sauce from heat and incorporate additional lemon juice if desired, creating a balanced and creamy consistency.
- Season the sauce with black pepper and salt according to personal taste preferences.
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Drizzle the warm lemon butter cream sauce generously over the baked salmon.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
- Serve alongside complementary side dishes such as creamy mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, scalloped potatoes, roasted asparagus, or atop homemade pasta.
Notes
- Achieve perfectly cooked salmon by using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 145°F for food safety and optimal tenderness.
- Select fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with a bright color and firm texture to ensure the best flavor and most luxurious dining experience.
- Customize the lemon butter cream sauce by adjusting garlic intensity or adding fresh herbs like dill or chives for a personalized touch.
- Prevent sauce separation by maintaining low-medium heat and stirring continuously while preparing the cream sauce.
- Pair this elegant dish with light, crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich salmon and creamy sauce.
- Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it a convenient meal prep option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg